Essentials?

Adventurer · 15 Jun 2015, 7:42 pm

Hello all,

I've done quite a bit of exploring in the UK but was wondering what sort of equipment you will usually bring along on your adventures. I personally always bring a torch, gloves and hand sanitiser and lots of bottled water! What about you guys?

Mambo · 15 Jun 2015, 8:53 pm

Beer, torch and beer. That pretty much covers it.

Unclehaggz · 15 Jun 2015, 9:18 pm

Torch,second Torch (spare batteries), a hand generator torch, just in case all batteries are defunct!, Drink, cereal bars, sweets or Lollies for energy burst. Camera, Tripod, beach/shore shoes for drains (good grip), sturdier footwear for abando's! Pretty much it unless your Light painting then there's a whole plethora of equipment/gadgets!

Hope it helps

UH

dodger · 15 Jun 2015, 11:21 pm

Haha hand sanitiser?

It depends on where you're going but if you're going underground I try to have at least three sources of light. (Because if you have no light you're completely blind! There may not even be any ambient light for your eyes to adjust to.)

Midget · 16 Jun 2015, 3:05 pm

My list of essentials in order of importance:

Weak light source. Usually my phone's flashlight as long as I have above 50% battery charge.
Camera + any lens.
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8.
LED Lenser M7. 400 units of "it's too effing bright".
Manfrotto 190XPRO4. An overweight tripod that is worth carrying.
Secondary camera, usually of a different mount.
Speedlight.
Water.
Money.

Lost my gloves a while ago, but I haven't found a suitable replacement. I have plastic bags, alcohol wipes and a couple small tidbits in my bag permanent

phytrix · 17 Jun 2015, 1:24 pm

I generally bring 3 sources of light, but can get away with two (2 torches and my phone light). On top of this, I always bring spare batteries and water (although I often forget). These are my only essentials, but I often bring along my camera, tripod, lens and a spare battery if I plan on taking photos.

Joker · 23 Jun 2015, 8:52 pm

A small length of rope can come in handy for some of the worn down slides, but it is very dependent on how much space you have. And also how much you trust some of the set ups like in Swoo...

phytrix · 24 Jun 2015, 11:14 am

Joker wrote:A small length of rope can come in handy for some of the worn down slides, but it is very dependent on how much space you have. And also how much you trust some of the set ups like in Swoo...

Some of the rope in Swoo is pretty reliable and long lasting. If in doubt, grab all of them. If still in doubt, bring bread crates :p

timdole · 24 Jun 2015, 12:37 pm

How has nobody yet said a phone? Being able to call for outside help in an emergency could be vital.
As you asked about essentials I take
-Good shoes (thick sole for abandos, grip for drains (also, screw oyster shoes))
-Phone (old one that calls is all that is needed)
-Water/muesli bar
-Mini first aid kit
-Mini zoomable torch/battery

The first aid kits are about $3 online, definitely worth investing in
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Emergency-Ca ... 5b1093b688

phytrix · 24 Jun 2015, 12:40 pm

timdole wrote:How has nobody yet said a phone? Being able to call for outside help in an emergency could be vital.

My phone barely gets reception, let alone underground >.<

timdole · 24 Jun 2015, 12:47 pm

phytrix wrote:
timdole wrote:How has nobody yet said a phone? Being able to call for outside help in an emergency could be vital.
My phone barely gets reception, let alone underground >.<

As long as there is reception from any carrier (optus/telstra/vodaphone etc) it will still work, though I see your point underground.
http://www.acma.gov.au/theACMA/calling- ... hone--faqs

phytrix · 24 Jun 2015, 12:58 pm

timdole wrote:
phytrix wrote:
timdole wrote:How has nobody yet said a phone? Being able to call for outside help in an emergency could be vital.
My phone barely gets reception, let alone underground >.<
As long as there is reception from any carrier (optus/telstra/vodaphone etc) it will still work, though I see your point underground.
http://www.acma.gov.au/theACMA/calling- ... hone--faqs

Yeah as long as you're up some kind of manhole shaft I would imagine reception is likely, which is where you will be in an emergency

Legacy · 25 Jun 2015, 2:38 am

phytrix wrote:
timdole wrote:
phytrix wrote:
My phone barely gets reception, let alone underground >.<
As long as there is reception from any carrier (optus/telstra/vodaphone etc) it will still work, though I see your point underground.
http://www.acma.gov.au/theACMA/calling- ... hone--faqs
Yeah as long as you're up some kind of manhole shaft I would imagine reception is likely, which is where you will be in an emergency

I dunno... The performance i get from my Optus mobile - One would be better off packing their "outside voice" rather than the phone...

Midget · 25 Jun 2015, 2:03 pm

Screw phones, just carry a couple of flares.

Shoot them through grates if you're stuck.

phytrix · 25 Jun 2015, 6:07 pm

Midget wrote:Screw phones, just carry a couple of flares. Shoot them through grates if you're stuck.

Plus they're fun to set off :3